Practice Draws Patients From 300 Zip Codes

Many patients stepping into the Family Eyecare Associates offices in Versailles may think they’ve discovered a good place to get a new pair of glasses.

What they may not realize is that this is one of the most unique eye care centers in the state.

That’s because the office, headed by Dr. Rick Graebe, also houses the Children’s Vision and Learning Center with five certified qualified Vision Therapists (Lori Lewis, Jessie Niedwick, Jennifer Sellers, Mary Ellen Smith and Pat Thomas).

Graebe’s staff also includes three optometrists (Jennifer Brown, Regina Callihan and Graebe), three technicians (Bethany Caudill, Deidre Head and Diana Niedwick, Jessie’s mother), and an ABO licensed optician (Adam Bentley).

In addition, Mary Ellen Smith is both a Certified Para Optometric Assistant and a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist, the only person in the state to carry  both certifications.

With so many trained professionals,  Dr. Graebe’s office can offer a full range of services, including traditional optometry and optician services.

For adults and children, Dr. Graebe’s practice also offers corneal molding (specially designed contact lenses that reshape the cornea and permanently treat myopia).

Dr. Graebe was the first private practice in the state to install a Macular Pigment Optical Density tester that detects those at risk for developing macular degeneration before they have a permanent loss of vision.

With Vision Therapy, corneal molding, optometrists and an optician, Dr. Graebe said, “To my knowledge, we are the only ones in the state to offer all of these services in one office.”

No wonder the practice draws patients from 300 different zip codes.

The business has grown dramatically since it opened in late 1999.

“We are on a constant quest to improve,” Dr. Graebe said. “When I realize what patients need, I figure I need to learn to do that.

“We are cutting edge in so many ways. We put the patients’ needs first. We also hire people who have a servant’s heart.

“That’s why we truly change lives.”